When Should You Replace Your Windshield
Written by craig braddick

Common Windshield Replacement Mistakes

No-one wants a broken windshield. But trying to save money instead of replacing it correctly may endanger your health and be a further expense. Read on to learn more.

Ignoring the Problem

A simple chip in the glass can turn into a crack over some time. You might want to wait to get a windshield replacement to save some cash. In fact, it costs you less to get a replacement right away than prolong it and pay for worse damages. Besides, the longer you wait to replace your windshield, the higher the risk of the car roof collapsing, since the windshield is what holds it in place.

Replacing the Windshield At-Home Without a Professional’s Help

Some people think that they can replace their own windshield at home without any expert’s help. But let us be honest, you have no idea what you are doing. First, you cannot be 100% sure the windshield you ordered is new other than the claim of the individual you ordered it from. Second, you do not have the tools it takes to put a windshield in place on your own the way professional auto glass shops do.

Using DIY Auto Glass Repair Kits Instead of Replacing the Damaged Glass

Similarly, some people try the Do It Yourself (DIY) method. Though, while these might work for the smallest of windshield damages, they do not work on big damaged windshields. Attempting to use a DIY kit instead of getting a windshield replacement is not going to fix anything. Even if the kit hides the problem for a while, the problem will still be there.

Using Crazy Glue and/or Nail Polish to Keep the Broken Glass Together

Some drivers have the oh-so-brilliant idea to use crazy glue or nail polish to fix their windshield. Yet, using crazy glue on your broken windshield is not going to keep it in place. Sure, you stuck two broken pieces together, but the glass is still weak, and it will bend and shatter if not dealt with properly. Same thing with nail polish.

Source: http://lpautoglassorlando.com/blog/auto-glass-replacement/5-mistakes-people-make-with-a-windshield-replacement/

T&S Auto Glass Offers Replacement Windshields in Chandler

When you’re looking for the best windshield repair & replacement in Phoenix, T&S Auto Glass is here to help!  We offer mobile windshield repair anywhere in the Phoenix Valley for your convenience and at our shop in Chandler, AZ.  If you’ve got a cracked windshield, chipped windshield, or need any other type of auto glass repair service call our friendly and professional team.

Repair or Replace a Windshield
Written by T&S Auto Glass

Windshield Repair or Replacement?

When you’ve been driving for any amount of time, you probably know that feeling of dread following the smack of something bouncing off your car windshield. When you inspect your windshield, one question always comes to mind: Is this able to be repaired or does the entire windshield need to be replaced? The answer might not be as simple as one would think! Nowadays, we’ll clear those questions up as we determine when you need to repair or replace a cracked windshield.

Differences between a chipped and cracked windshield

Your vehicle’s windshield can get damaged from a variety of sources, but not all damages are alike. The damage caused by something such as a small rock or something such as hitting an animal can have a very different effect on your windshield and how you go about dealing with it. But before explanation concerning the kinds of damage, it’s important to know the way a windshield is manufactured.

Automotive glass, or windshield glass, is occasionally called “safety” glass. The reasoning is because it isn’t actually a singular piece, but instead two pieces of glass with a plastic layer of laminate in between the two. If an object strikes your windshield, the way it’s designed causes it to break into a lot more smaller pieces and stops it from shattering into a lot larger, hazardous ones.

Windshield chips

Chips are a small speckle that is caused when an impact breaks away a piece of the glass layer. This can usually be repaired when it is small enough. Nevertheless, when the chip is so deep that it pierces the inner layer of laminate, you might be facing a total replacement. Whereas smaller chips on their own might not be a big concern, they can usually be the starting point from which cracks grow.

Windshield cracks

Unlike chips, cracks are distinctive in that it is a line in which a single piece of glass has started to fully separate. Whereas these can start off small, they can (and typically do) grow over time.

In the event the windshield is exposed to the scorching ray of the sun or driving through chilly air, variations in temperature could cause it to expand and contract. When you have a crack in the windshield, that process can cause it to little by little, spread.

Aside from these two major categories, it’s not unusual to see a mixture of them and everything in between.

When to have a chipped or cracked windshield repaired

As you can probably tell, repairing a cracked windshield is usually less expensive than a total replacement. An auto glass specialist’s capability to repair damage is subject to a multitude of factors, like the kind of chip or crack, its size, how deep it is, its location, and how many chips or cracks there are.

Most say that cracks that fit underneath a dollar bill can typically be repaired. When a chip is small enough (under 2 inches) and not too deep (typically under 3/8’s of an inch), repairing it might be an option. Under the more excessive side, it might be possible to repair chips up to 3 inches round (subject to the kind and the chips shape) and cracks up to 14 inches long.

The depth of the damage is also considered when establishing if a windshield can be repaired. Don’t forget, vehicle windshields come with two layers of glass with a laminate in between them. When the crack or chip is shallow enough and just penetrates one layer of glass, it most likely can be repaired.

Locating a Reputable Windshield Repair Shop

In some situations, the area of the damage may impact the technician’s capability to repair a crack or chip. Damage that happens near the middle of the windshield (more towards the passenger side) can typically be repaired.

With all that take into consideration, the automotive glass repair place you got to might have some restrictions based on their technical abilities. If a damaged windshield can be repaired, the process typically comprises of injecting a clear resin into the problem area. The resin then gets cured and polished, leaving a smooth, clear finish and prevents the crack from creating more damage.

If the damage is able to be repaired, it’s a good idea to do it as soon as you can get it done. Even a small chip or crack can ultimately spread and force its replacement.

When to have a chipped or cracked windshield replaced

There are obviously some circumstances in which it becomes very clear (no pun intended) that your windshield is required to be replaced. For instance, if a kid throws a rock at your car and it punches a hole in your windshield, you’ll need to get it replaced.

But it isn’t always as straightforward as the above situation. Occasionally, a lot smaller cracks and possibly chips can require a new windshield installation. Typically, you are going to need to replace your cracked vehicle windshield if:

The windshield is tempered.

As mentioned above, a lot of windshields are a type of layered glass with two pieces of glass with a plastic layer of laminate in between the two. Instead of shattering or breaking into pieces, laminated glass holds together when it takes on damage. On the other hand, vehicle side and rear windows are usually tempered glass, in which is manufactured through a different process that causes the glass to break into small, little pieces when damaged. since it breaks in this way, replacing them is your only real option.

The crack is too large.

Even though there are situations in which longer cracks are able to be repaired, those that are longer than a dollar bill typically requires to be replaced. Likewise, if a chip’s diameter is larger than a quarter, the windshield is going to be replaced.

When the crack is too deep.

Any chip and/or crack that penetrates each of the layers of a laminated windshield is required to be replaced. Even if the crack just penetrates the outer layer, this can often expose the plastic layer inside, causing it to become discolored when left in the elements for long periods of time. The reasoning for this is you may actually want to replace your windshield even when repairing it is an option.

When there are too many cracks and/or chips.

Usually, when you have three or more cracks and/or chips anywhere on your windshield, you’ll most likely need to have it replaced. Following them taking a certain amount of damage, they’ll start to lose their ability to withstand additional impacts.

When the crack is in a bad area.

Damage to the driver’s side of the windshield typically requires a total replacement since repairs usually leave a little leftover markings behind. Cracks that go from one edge to another weakens its structural integrity, in which typically means a total replacement is required.

Is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield?

Absolutely Not – regardless of the kind of damage, any damage to a windshield is severe and needs to be addressed as so. Windshields might seem like a humdrum safety feature; however, they are an extremely critical one. A damaged windshield loses its capability to withstand the impact from flying objects and can become a major visual obstruction. In fact, you might even fail your vehicle inspection when the facility considers the obstruction severe enough.

For auto windshield chip repair in Chandler, call us today to schedule an appointment! We also offer windshield replacement.

When Should You Replace Your Windshield
Written by craig braddick

Don’t Make These Windshield Replacement Mistakes

No-one wants a broken windshield. But trying to save money instead of replacing it correctly may endanger your health and be a further expense. Read on to learn more.

Ignoring the Problem

A simple chip in the glass can turn into a crack over some time. You might want to wait to get a windshield replacement to save some cash. In fact, it costs you less to get a replacement right away than prolong it and pay for worse damages. Besides, the longer you wait to replace your windshield, the higher the risk of the car roof collapsing, since the windshield is what holds it in place.

Replacing the Windshield At-Home Without a Professional’s Help

Some people think that they can replace their own windshield at home without any expert’s help. But let us be honest, you have no idea what you are doing. First, you cannot be 100% sure the windshield you ordered is new other than the claim of the individual you ordered it from. Second, you do not have the tools it takes to put a windshield in place on your own the way professional auto glass shops do.

Using DIY Auto Glass Repair Kits Instead of Replacing the Damaged Glass

Similarly, some people try the Do It Yourself (DIY) method. Though, while these might work for the smallest of windshield damages, they do not work on big damaged windshields. Attempting to use a DIY kit instead of getting a windshield replacement is not going to fix anything. Even if the kit hides the problem for a while, the problem will still be there.

Using Crazy Glue and/or Nail Polish to Keep the Broken Glass Together

Some drivers have the oh-so-brilliant idea to use crazy glue or nail polish to fix their windshield. Yet, using crazy glue on your broken windshield is not going to keep it in place. Sure, you stuck two broken pieces together, but the glass is still weak, and it will bend and shatter if not dealt with properly. Same thing with nail polish.

Source: http://lpautoglassorlando.com/blog/auto-glass-replacement/5-mistakes-people-make-with-a-windshield-replacement/

T&S Auto Glass Offers Replacement Windshields in Chandler

When you’re looking for the best windshield repair & replacement in Phoenix, T&S Auto Glass is here to help!  We offer mobile windshield repair anywhere in the Phoenix Valley for your convenience and at our shop in Chandler, AZ.  If you’ve got a cracked windshield, chipped windshield, or need any other type of auto glass repair service call our friendly and professional team.

Windshield Chip Repair Cost
Written by craig braddick

Windshield Chip Repair Costs

How Much Does Windshield Chip Repair Cost?

The average windshield chip repair cost is $35 with the average cost to fix a chipped windshield or window ranging from $10 to $60 in 2023, according to costhelper.com. Your estimated price depends on the type of chip and its location. The service technician comes to your vehicle, and typically charges a little more than in-shop work; plus $10-$25 for each additional chip.

Angie’sList says some customers are paying upwards of $70 to $238 to repair a windshield chip.

According to AxleAddict, windshield chip repair costs about $65 to reduce the likelihood of the chip turning into a crack.

A chipped windshield can happen so fast you do not always see it at first.

Repairing a Chipped Vehicle Windshield

Debris and dust are removed from your chipped windshield by either cleaning or drilling. Once a smooth line is created, a resin is injected, cured, and buffed to restore your vehicle’s glass to a clean, transparent appearance. It’s usually a good idea to leave your repair to professionals for quick, budget-friendly service.

Do I Repair or Replace my Chipped Windshield?

Chipped windshields of all sizes and shapes can easily be repaired. Chips in the shape of horseshoes, craters, and stars can definitely be repaired if they are not too wide. The location of the chip and timespan from when the chip occurred, are important factors in deciding whether or not your chip needs to be repaired or your entire windshield replaced.
Cracks that expands past three inches usually require you to replace the windshield. Windshield replacement is also advisable for windshields with chips that obscure your line of sight. It’s best to address a chipped windshield once it occurs. Over time, dirt and dust will build up in a chip, making it harder to repair.

Advantages of Windshield Chip Repair

If our experts determine your windshield chip can be repaired, it can save you a lot of money from an expensive windshield replacement.
Repairing your auto windshield chip is convenient. Most repairs from glass repair companies can usually be made in under an hour, and your vehicle insurance or warranty provider will often cover the cost and waive the deductible.

Repairing your vehicle’s windshield chip is more affordable in comparison to the cost of replacing the entire windshield. Repairing your auto windshield also helps protect the environment. Damaged windshields often end up in overfilled landfills.

T&S Auto Glass Offers Windshield Chip Repair in Chandler

For auto windshield chip repair in Chandler, call us today to schedule an appointment! We also offer windshield replacement.

Golf Ball Strikes Windshield
Written by craig braddick

Golf Ball Strikes Windshield!

Fore! If you play golf or live on or near a golf course, your windshield is at risk for being damaged by an errant golf ball. Read on to learn more!

Car Insurance Claim

If you have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance, you can file a claim. Your comprehensive deductible will apply. If the damage sustained to the vehicle is lower than the deductible.

Insurance Rates

Many insurers start surcharging if you file three comprehensive claims in a three year period,but some insurance carriers surcharge for all claims. It is best to check with your insurance carrier to verify how they handle surcharging for different types of claims.

Deductible

The deductible can be a cheaper way to go for the person who caused the damage if they are willing to step forward and assist. Unfortunately, you are going to have a hard time forcing the at-fault person to pay up. If they are unwilling to take responsibility, you will be on your own—unless you want to pursue the issue in small claims court.

Homeowner’s Policy

The at-fault party can file a claim on their homeowner’s policy for liability if the incident occurred on their property. Many home policies do not have a deductible on liability. However, the surcharge on a home policy can be steep at your next renewal due to filing a claim, and this surcharge can last three years on home insurance policies.

Source: https://www.thebalance.com/a-ball-hit-my-car-who-pays-527192

T&S Auto Glass Offers Replacement Windshields in Chandler

When you’re looking for the best windshield repair & replacement in Phoenix, T&S Auto Glass is here to help!  We offer mobile windshield repair anywhere in the Phoenix Valley for your convenience and at our shop in Chandler, AZ.  If you’ve got a cracked windshield, chipped windshield, or need any other type of auto glass repair service call our friendly and professional team.

When Should You Replace Your Windshield
Written by craig braddick

When To Replace Your Windshield

Your windshield is your cars primary restraint serving as protection from the outside and from the inside. It is made from two layers of glass bonded together with lamination or vinyl. The vinyl holds everything in place should the windshield break. Therefore it is vital not to compromise on it. Read on to learn more.

Location Of The Crack

Cracks located at the edge of the windshield have a tendency to spread quickly and weaken the structural integrity of the glass. If the crack hasn’t spread yet, repair is possible. Otherwise, replacement is recommended. The worst location for a crack is directly in the driver’s line of sight. In such case, immediate replacement is necessary since repairing can cause glass distortion and distortion in any degree is dangerous.

Size Of The Crack

Many windshield repair shops are capable of repairing cracks up to three inches long, and rock chips that are no bigger than the size of a quarter (around one inch in diameter). If it’s bigger than that, the recommendation will be replacement. Unless it’s one of those few facilities which have advanced equipment and make use of special techniques, then it will be possible to repair wider chips and cracks that are up to 12 inches long.

Severity Of Damage

If your windshield has more than three cracks or a very deep crack, replace. If your vehicle was involved in a major collision, or was hit by a large object, replacement is recommended because a major impact will most often result in weakening of your windshield’s glass and supporting frame.

Conclusion

Regardless of the characteristics of the crack, the common consensus is to have it dealt with as soon as possible. If not, dirt and moisture can accumulate in the damaged area, making its condition worse. And then you’ll have no choice but to have your windshield replaced when initially, repair should have been sufficient.

Source: http://bigskycol.com/do-i-really-need-to-replace-my-windshield/

T&S Auto Glass Offers Replacement Windshields in Chandler

When you’re looking for the best windshield repair & replacement in Phoenix, T&S Auto Glass is here to help!  We offer mobile windshield repair anywhere in the Phoenix Valley for your convenience and at our shop in Chandler, AZ.  If you’ve got a cracked windshield, chipped windshield, or need any other type of auto glass repair service call our friendly and professional team.

What Is Windshield Pitting
Written by craig braddick

Keeping Your Windshield Clear In Winter

Clearing a foggy windshield up isn’t just a case of turning on the defroster. You must balance the moisture and warmth in the car with the dry, cold air on the outside. Too much moisture, and your cabin will reach the “dew point,” causing the windows to fog up. Until the inside is dry, your glass will remain fogged. Read on to learn of some helpful hints to avoid this problem.

  • Dirt on the inside of your windshield gives moisture more to cling to. Use a good glass cleaner to remove any film or dirt that may have collected on your windshield.
  • Before you hit the defroster, give your car’s heating system a few minutes to warm up. The air duct temperature needs to reach about 130 degrees before the defrost mechanism becomes effective. But don’t turn the car on and walk back in the house. That’s how cars get stolen.
  • Fogging occurs when warm, moist air inside the car hits the cold air outside your windshield. Your snowy boots, wet gloves and even that cup of steaming coffee, as well as your breathing create moisture in your car. We don’t recommend holding your breath for the duration of your drive, but if your coats or gloves get wet while clearing off the car, consider putting them in the trunk before heading off.
  • Once you turn the defroster on, turn it up high. You need to cover 90 percent of the glass with air in very poor weather (i.e., freezing rain or snow and very cold temperatures), according to Paul, in order for the defroster to work effectively.
  • Make sure that you are taking in fresh air from the outside of the car (if it’s snowing, clear the outside vents before pulling out of the driveway) by turning the recirculate button off. If you are recirculating air, Paul says that you are simply recirculating your own breath. This means that moisture never leaves the cabin and de-fogging the windows becomes very difficult, if not impossible.

T&S Auto Glass Offers Replacement Windshields in Chandler

When you’re looking for the best windshield repair & replacement in Phoenix, T&S Auto Glass is here to help!  We offer mobile windshield repair anywhere in the Phoenix Valley for your convenience and at our shop in Chandler, AZ.  If you’ve got a cracked windshield, chipped windshield, or need any other type of auto glass repair service call our friendly and professional team.

What Is Windshield Pitting
Written by craig braddick

Aftermarket Vs. OEM Windshield Glass

If you are searching for the differences between OEM and aftermarket windshields, read on! We will explain what is best for your car.

OEM Windshields

An acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM windshields are made by the same people who provided the original windshield to the automaker when your vehicle was constructed. It means you will be getting a virtually identical windshield. OEM windshields often feature the branding of the automaker.

Aftermarket Windshields

Made by different companies than the OEM or sometimes by the OEM company but on a different production line and to slightly differing specifications. Some of these windshields are comparable to in quality to OEM windshields. Others are not. However, it is certainly a more affordable option for the consumer.

OEM Auto Glass

OEM is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM auto glass is fabricated by the same manufacturer that provided the original glass the automaker placed in your vehicle. OEM glass also has special automaker branding on it.

Aftermarket Auto Glass

Aftermarket auto parts are made by a company other than the original equipment manufacturer. Or by the same OEM company on a different production line. Some of these parts are of similar quality to OEM parts. It is also a far more affordable option.

Pros and Cons of OEM Windshields:

  • Pro: Quality standards set forth by auto manufacturer are met
  • Pro: Fit, finish, and safety should be the same quality as when your car originally rolled off the manufacturing line
  • Con: Generally more costly than aftermarket windshields
  • Con: Insurance may not cover the complete cost of the OEM part

Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Windshields:

  • Pro: Meets or exceeds minimum safety standards set forth by the Department of Transportation
  • Pro: Generally less expensive than OEM glass
  • Con: No quality standards
  • Con: Numerous manufacturers recommend only replacing with OEM glass due to ADAS features

The OEM Vs. Aftermarket Windshields Debate

Is an OEM windshield safer than an aftermarket windshield? There is no agreement in the auto glass industry. You need to speak with educated auto glass personnel who can discuss what would work best for you. They can help you make the best choice for your vehicle because, for some vehicles, an aftermarket windshield will work just fine while other vehicle manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Nissan recommend only using OEM windshields.

T&S Auto Glass Offers Replacement Windshields in Chandler

When you’re looking for the best windshield repair & replacement in Phoenix, T&S Auto Glass is here to help!  We offer mobile windshield repair anywhere in the Phoenix Valley for your convenience and at our shop in Chandler, AZ.  If you’ve got a cracked windshield, chipped windshield, or need any other type of auto glass repair service call our friendly and professional team.

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